Kirk-Dikdiks: New baby animal conquers hearts at Schönbrunn Zoo!

Kirk-Dikdiks: New baby animal conquers hearts at Schönbrunn Zoo!

In a surprising stroke of luck, Schönbrunn Zoo was able to welcome a female Kirk dik-dik cub shortly before Christmas - a remarkable milestone for this specialized species. The Kirk dik-diks are among the smallest antelopes in Africa and immediately captured the hearts of zoo staff with their large, googly eyes. According to zoo director Dr. According to Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, these tiny animals are vulnerable to numerous enemies in the wild, but their excellent sense of sight, hearing and smell as well as their camouflage in tall grass offer them a certain chance of survival. In many cases, only their characteristic snout is visible in the hay, which can cause amazement among the audience krone.at reports.

Breeding care was a challenge in advance, as the composition of suitable breeding animals had to be carefully considered. Zoological curator Folko Balfanz explained that it's not just about keeping males and females together; The “chemistry” between the animals also plays a crucial role. These successes are not only a push in the right direction for the safety of Kirk's dik-diks, but also an important contribution to the European conservation breeding program for this species.

Sponsorships for the Kirk Dikdiks

In addition, the zoo is actively looking for sponsors for the new residents. Animal sponsorships can be arranged for as little as five euros a month, which is seen as an excellent way to support these rare creatures, the zoo said in a statement. Known for their high-pitched alarm call, the so-called "dsik-dsik", the Kirk's dik-diks represent a fascinating example of wildlife due to their size and characteristics. The young animal is therefore not only a new eye-catcher, but also plays a key role in the conservation efforts of this special antelope species, such as the small newspaper highlights.